Carlos Tevez dramatically re-announced himself to the Premier League yesterday with a sensational hat-trick that has seemingly left all of his past misadventures stored away in the abyss of forgetfulness. But as Manchester City fans revelled in an emphatic 6-1 victory away at Norwich, singing their former captain's name, one is left to wonder how the past can simply be forgotten.
Carlos Tevez has immersed himself in controversy from the moment he arrived at West Ham, following that shocking move alongside fellow Argentina international Javier Mascherano, which itself sparked outrage. He then moved to Manchester United where he elevated himself to being a hero of the Stretford End, with crucial goals scored aplenty, helping United to triumph in the 2008 UEFA Champions League final against Chelsea. However, after a couple of seasons, it was time for him to move on again, and you all know the story.
And, after his acrimonious move across Manchester to rivals City, Tevez continued to illuminate his talents, becoming a god-like hero at Eastlands, a status that lead to his role of Captaincy in 2011, before suddenly declaring that he wanted to leave due to 'family reasons'. In choosing to broadcast his distaste of Manchester life live on Argentinian television, Tevez left City reeling and United laughing. One was left to wonder whether Tevez would ever settle or be happy in England.
Then came another compelling twist, as on September 27th 2011, Tevez refused to emerge from the City bench in a Champions League game away at Bayern Munich, a decision that left manager Roberto Mancini declaring that Tevez was "finished" and that "if I have my way he will be out", strong words from a manager who had clearly had enough.
And after the continuous fines and Tevez's exile to Argentina for all these months, it makes it all the more peculiar that Tevez is suddenly back, scoring 4 goals in 2 games, keeping City apace with bitter rivals United. Mancini, after the Norwich game, even seemed to suggest that his side would have benefited from Tevez's talents over the course of the whole season.
Clearly a baffling story and how one can forget Tevez's behaviour merely illustrates the fickle nature of football. How a man can refuse to play for his club, storming off to his homeland whilst still picking up an astronomical wage, yet simply come back and be welcomed with open arms is bizarre.
Patrick Vieira, ambassador for Manchester City, described Manchester United's decision to bring back Paul Scholes from retirement as "desperate", to which Sir Alex Ferguson pointed the finger to Tevez, insisting that surely his return would be "desperate". Because, whilst Ferguson would naturally be delighted to be able to draw upon one of the world's greatest ever midfielders, and one with a professional attitude second to none, the Scotsman would never tolerate the kind of behaviour demonstrated by Tevez.
How Manchester City can adore the Argentinian once more is beyond me, regardless of his ability. Perhaps an over-reliance on such individuals will continue to trouble the blue half of Manchester.
No comments:
Post a Comment